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Soybean Insects

All Soybean Insects Content

Small, slender, tan bug on a green leaf

Damsel Bugs: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

It is important to remember that not all insects are pests. Damsel bugs are beneficial predators that feed on soft-bodied insects, including many agricultural and garden pests.

Map of South Dakota with green (zero to three grasshoppers), orange (four to seven grasshoppers), and red (8 or more grasshoppers) dots indicating grasshopper populations that were sampled in 2021. The north central region, west of the Missouri River, has the highest concentration of red and orange dots.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2022

Data from the 2021 USDA Adult Grasshopper Survey of South Dakota suggests that grasshopper populations may continue to be problem in parts of central and western South Dakota during the spring of 2022.

A yellow beetle with a black head, and square black markings on its back standing on a soybean leaf.

2022 South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality

Bean leaf beetle emergence is approaching, so it’s important to start thinking about this pest. Knowing the number of days that the air was cold enough for bean leaf beetle mortality allows us to estimate the emerging populations in the spring.

Aerial view of test plots at the Volga Research Farm.

SDSU Extension to host Integrated Pest Management Field School on July 25

July 18, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host the 2023 Integrated Pest Management Field School from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. CDT on July 25 at the SDSU Volga Farm south of Volga, South Dakota.

Small, green teardrop shaped insects on a green, hairy stem with pink flower.

Soybean Aphids Are Active in South Dakota

Small populations of soybean aphids were recently identified while scouting soybean in the Volga and South Shore areas. This is a good reminder that scouting should be ongoing to ensure that populations do not exceed thresholds.

Base of soybean stem with small, translucent orange larvae present under the epidermis.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected This Season

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in soybean in southeastern South Dakota. While many infested fields are not showing obvious signs of infestation, there are some key indicators to look out for.

Seven people stand at a distance in a green field. The sky is blue with a large cloud stretching across most of the horizon

The South Dakota State University West River Research Farm to host Field Day on July 11

July 07, 2023

The South Dakota State University West River Research Farm Tour will be held on July 11 near Sturgis, South Dakota, running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Kristine Lang and Rhoda Burrows look at some plants with two men inside a high tunnel

The South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm to host Field Day on July 11

June 30, 2023

The South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm Field Day will be held on July 11 near Beresford, South Dakota.

White larvae in brown soybean pith.

Dectes Stem Borer Observed in Soybean

We have received an increased number of Dectes stem borer reports in South Dakota soybean, and we are currently scouting to determine which counties have the highest risk for Dectes stem borer issues.

Mottled brown grasshopper nymph sitting on a green leaf. Wing pads are easily observed in the image.

Grasshoppers Continue to Be an Issue During 2023

We have received numerous reports of very large populations of grasshopper nymphs in June. Before management action is taken, it is important to determine what stage observed grasshoppers are at.